Florida Department of Education Recognizes Eight Panhandle 'Successful 75' Award Winners
May 30, 2017
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Florida Department of Education Recognizes Eight Panhandle 'Successful 75' Award Winners
Tallahassee, Fla., May 30, 2017 – Today, the Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services (DBS) announced eight Panhandle recipients of the “Successful 75” Awards. Over the last year, DBS celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a series of informative, family-friendly events throughout Florida. At each event, local individuals, organizations and businesses were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the blind and visually impaired community.
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate and thank these individuals for the difference they are making in our blind and visually impaired communities,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “We have come a long way in just 75 years, thanks in large part to the individuals, organizations and businesses who have supported our efforts to continue opening doors for blind and visually impaired Floridians. We remain committed to increasing accessibility, and I hope that these recipients will serve as an inspiration for more Floridians to get involved.”
"We are pleased to recognize these dedicated individuals as members of the Division of Blind Services' Successful 75," said DBS Director Robert L. Doyle. "The recipients have worked tirelessly to make a difference in their communities through outreach, advocacy, hiring practices and via their individual commitments to achieve self-sufficiency. Through these efforts, Florida continues to strive to become a barrier-free environment for residents with visual disabilities."
The following Panhandle individuals, organizations and businesses were recognized with the Successful 75 award.
Client Award: Kacie Hurlston
Kacie Hurlston’s willingness to help others and put their needs ahead of her own is a characteristic that is most admired by her classmates. The high school student is a motivational speaker and provides testimonials about overcoming personal stereotypes and disability challenges. She always has a positive outlook and motivates her peers to do their best no matter how difficult.
Client Award: Alton Palmore
Alton Palmore is a blind veteran who served in the United States Army. Palmore began to lose his sight due to glaucoma and accessed services from the Veteran Affairs Medical Center's Blind Rehab Department. Through the Bureau of Business Enterprise program, he operates a vending area at the prison in Marianna, where he has managed the facility for two years. In October of 2015, Palmore was awarded the contract to operate a military dining facility at Panama City Naval Air Station.
Community Advocate Award: Sherri Myers
Sherri Myers serves on the Pensacola City Council. She is passionate about working throughout the Pensacola community to improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Myers worked with the Center for Independent Living to establish and enhance public transportation for persons with disabilities in Pensacola. She also serves on the local Disabilities Summit Council, a local council that advocates for better relations between employers and persons with disabilities.
Community Advocate Award: Walter “Bruce” Watson
Captain, United States Navy (Ret.) Walter “Bruce” Watson currently serves as the executive director of the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County. There, he ensures work spaces are accessible and adaptable for staff members who are visually impaired. He often goes above and beyond to advocate for those in the community through various service organizations. He formerly served as a board member and the executive director of Independence for the Blind of West Florida, Inc.
Community Partner Award: Emerald Coast Vision Aids
Emerald Coast Vision Aids, Inc. is an independent distributor for the leading world-wide developers, manufacturers and marketers of innovative products designed to assist people with low vision and blindness needs. They have been providing DBS clients with state-of-the-art low vision and blindness products since 1998.
Community Partner Award: Pensacola Lions Club
For more than 90 years, the Pensacola Lions Club has continued to be “Knights for the Blind” by sharing their time and talents to better the lives of visually impaired individuals in Northwest Florida. Through selfless advocacy, the organizations brings awareness to the needs of the blind though fundraising activities and community outreach.
Employee Award: Gail Christian
Gail Christian has been with DBS for more than 23 years. She and her guide dog, “Halo,” bring positive attitudes to the office environment. Christian, a former DBS client, has worked in the Fort Myers and Pensacola offices as a word processor and now as a rehabilitation technician.
Business Award: Innisfree Hotels
Innisfree Hotels has hired and accommodated many DBS clients by encouraging them to utilize assistive technology, orientation and mobility and special skill training needed to accomplish their work. The Founder/CEO of Innisfree Hotels, Julian MacQueen, is a founding member of Independence for the Blind’s Board of Directors.
Throughout the year-long anniversary celebration, 75 honorees were bestowed with this honor. For a full list of the DBS Successful 75 Award recipients, click here.
For more information about the Division of Blind Services and its programs, visit dbs.fldoe.org.
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